Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!
This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through June 30, 2025. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.
HUIT is seeking a Web Platform Developer to join our experienced central web services team that provides web platform offerings and services at scale to the Harvard community. This new role is part of an initiative to build, launch, and evolve an enterprise-class web platform for University-wide needs. While centered on web content management, this platform will intersect with an ecosystem of adjacent systems, including but not limited to design systems, content and multimedia delivery networks, identity and access management, cloud, and security.
Reporting to the Senior Technical Lead, the candidate will work with team members and third-party implementation partners and will contribute to the product vision and the technical underpinnings of all facets of the platform. The role requires exceptional programming skills, experience with cloud hosting providers (Acquia, Pantheon) that specialize in Drupal, platform development and migrations, and integrating technologies via APIs and web services. The Web Platform Developer will be a key contributor to the platform build and ongoing development, including planning, requirements gathering, and design to implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.
*For those interested in remote work, this role can be primarily remote. We also have beautiful on-campus space in the heart of Harvard Square for employees who choose to be on-site.*
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of five years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
Minimum of 3+ years of recent expert-level Drupal development experience
Experience with PHP, vanilla JavaScript or JS libraries (jQuery, React), HTML5, CSS3
Experience building and using CI/CD workflows integrated with version control systems
Experience with user experience methods and an understanding of WCAG 2.1, WAI-ARIA, and the techniques used to make websites, electronic documents, and media content accessible.
Experience working with Acquia Site Factory and Pantheon WebOps platform
Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, streamline processes and prioritize projects and tasks
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to assess and apply new technologies in innovative ways to solve business and technical problems
Experience with WordPress theme and plugin development a plus
Certificates and Licenses
Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred
Bachelor's degree (preferably in Computer Science or a technical field) or equivalent related experience or other relevant certifications, such as Acquia Certified Site Builder, preferred
Working Conditions
HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Some presence on campus may be necessary based on needs and the nature of the work.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Please note:
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.
More about HUIT: Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University. Our mission is to assure Harvard's leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology. HUIT's core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.
IT Academy (designed for IT Staff): HUIT's IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.